Haemolytic Anaemia Flashcards
What are some inherited causes of haemolytic anaemia? (5)
• Hereditary spherocytosis
• Hereditary elliptocytosis
• Thalassaemia
• Sickle cell anaemia
• G6PD deficiency
What are some acquired causes of haemolytic anaemia? (5)
• Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
• Alloimmune haemolytic anaemia (e.g., transfusions reactions and haemolytic disease of newborn)
• Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria
• Microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia
• Prosthetic valve-related haemolysis
What are the main features of haemolytic anaemia? (3)
• Anaemia
• Splenomegaly (the spleen becomes filled with destroyed red blood cells)
Jaundice (bilirubin is released during the destruction of red blood cells)
What is shown in haemolytic anaemia on an fbc?
Normocytic anaemia
What is shown on a blood film in haemolytic anaemia?
Schistocytes
Which anaemia is a direct Coombs test positive in?
Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
Which ethnic group is hereditary spherocytosis most common in?
Northern Europeans
What type of genetic condition is hereditary spherocytosis? E.g. dominant
Autosomal dominant
What is hereditary spherocytosis?
fragile, sphere-shaped red blood cells that easily break down when passing through the spleen
What are the presenting features of hereditary spherocytosis? (4)
Anaemia
Jaundice
Gallstones
Splenomegaly
What is aplastic crisis in hereditary spherocytosis caused by?
Parovirus b19
What is found on fbc in hereditary spherocytosis?
Raised mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
What is seen on a blood film in hereditary spherocytosis? (2)
Increased reticulocyte count
Spherocytes
What is the management of hereditary spherocytosis? (4)
Folate supplements
Blood transfusion
Splenectomy
Cholecystectomy if gallstones become a problem
What is hereditary elliptocytosis?
Hereditary elliptocytosis is similar to hereditary spherocytosis except that the red blood cells are ellipse-shaped.
Cause of haemolytic anaemia
What type of genetic condition is hereditary elliptocytosis? E.g. dominant
Autosomal dominant
What is the function of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase?
enzyme responsible for protecting the cells from oxidative damage.
What type of genetic condition is G6PD deficiency? E.g. dominant
X-linked recessive
Which ethnic groups is G6PD deficiency most common in? (3)
Mediterranean
Asian
African